Limestone Independent News

11/11/2025

Thurman W. Bernius, Jr., 98, of Metamora, IL, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at his home.

He was born on July 27, 1927, in Muskegon, MI, to Thurman W. and Adrian (Van Maastricht) Bernius, Sr. He married Jean West on February 7, 1947, in Lacon, IL. She passed away on April 27, 1982.

Surviving are his children, Jan Vicary of East Peoria, IL and Kathy (Don) Cook of Bartonville, IL; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Bernius of Vermont, IL; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; brother, Henry Bernius of Amarillo, TX; and sisters, Barbara (Harold) Cordes of Eureka, IL and Carolyn West of Chico, CA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Judy, son Michael, two infant grandchildren, one great-grandson, six brothers, and one sister.

Thurm was a U.S. World War II Navy Veteran where he served in the Pacific Theater. He was a hard-working, generous man that enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Thurm was a life member of the Metamora American Legion Post #89, past member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of 40Et8, Voiture 818.

He was a meat cutter for Metamora Abattoir, West Meat Locker, and Ben Schwartz store and a past member of Meat Cutter’s Local 543. He later worked as a security guard for the Army Corps of Engineers, retiring when he was 82 years old.

He was a life member of Taylor Masonic Lodge 98, AF & AM and Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Peoria. He was also a member of the Mohammed Temple Shrine in Peoria where he was a member of the Legion of Honor and life member of the Moose Lodge.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with Deacon Louie Tomlianovich officiating with a Masonic Service beginning at 11:15 am. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the Masonic service. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora with military rites accorded by the Tazewell Military Rite Team. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, Attn: Office of Development or to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, P.O. Box 5072, Peoria, IL 61601-5072. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

11/10/2025

For immediate release
November 10, 2025

Media Inquiries:
Joshua Thompson, GIS Manager
(309) 495-4840
[email protected]


Peoria County Invites Public to Celebrate GIS Day 2025

Peoria County – Peoria County’s GIS Department invites the public to join them in celebrating GIS Day on Wednesday, November 19, from 1-4 p.m. in Conference Room G10 at the Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main Street, Peoria.

GIS, which stands for geographic information system, is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data through maps and spatial analysis. GIS technology helps communities visualize and understand relationships, patterns, and trends in their data.

“GIS is a powerful tool that helps us better understand the world around us,” said Joshua Thompson, Peoria County GIS Manager. “Whether it’s property boundaries, zoning information, or regional trends in health and housing, GIS brings data to life in a way that’s meaningful and easy to explore.”

Attendees can:
Test their wits with a map guessing game for a chance to win prizes.
See a demo of Peoria County’s Front Desk application, including how to:
Locate property boundaries
Find property tax information and jurisdictions
Search and download GIS data and maps
Share feedback on the County’s upcoming Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

To learn more about GIS and GIS Day visit:

What is GIS? https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview
GIS Day Website: https://www.gisday.com/en-us/overview


Tim Shelley
Communications Coordinator
Peoria County
(309) 495-4862 (o) | (309) 253-9738 (c)
[email protected]

Find the definition of GIS. Learn how this mapping and analysis technology is crucial for making sense of data. Learn from examples and find out why GIS is more important than ever.

11/08/2025

Media Inquiries:
Jeff Gilles, Assistant County Engineer
Peoria County Highway Department
(309) 634-4127
[email protected]

Glasford Road Lane Closures Begin Monday

Peoria County – Soil boring work on Glasford Road, from US Route 24 to Main Street, will begin on Monday, November 10. The work is expected to take two week and will require lane closures between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Please see the attached map to view the work area.

Motorists are urged to use caution in the work zone, follow directions of the on-site flaggers, and avoid the area when possible.

Newsletter updates will be posted on the County website at https://www.peoriacounty.gov/385/Construction-Projects.

11/04/2025

Peoria County Courthouse Open November 11
Probation Department closed and 10th Judicial Circuit Courts not in session

Peoria County – The Peoria County Courthouse will be open on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, though some offices within the building will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.

The 10th Judicial Circuit Courts will not be in session, but Peoria County Court Administration will still be open. The Peoria County Probation Office will also be closed. All regular hours will resume on Wednesday, November 12.

Offices and departments not listed above will maintain normal business hours on Wednesday. For the full list of County holidays, visit https://www.peoriacounty.gov/274 .

10/27/2025

Jay L. Bell Obituary
Jay L. Bell, 88, of Peoria, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Washington Senior Living in Washington, Il.

Jay was born on April 18, 1937, in Peoria to Victor and Laura Caho Bell.

He married Sandra Zinser on June 2, 1956, she passed away on May 12, 2025, in Farmington, Il. One great granddaughter, Emberlyn Priest and one great grandson, Paxon Priest; and one brother Victor also preceded him in death.

Jay is survived by one daughter, Jayree Bell (Martin) Palmer of Glasford, Il, and two sons, Andrew (Kathleen) Bell of Peoria and Bradley (Sheila) Bell of Glasford.

Jay also has ten surviving grandchildren, Andrew (Bobbie) Bell, Anna (Jordan) Goehl, Angela (Christopher) Butler, Adam Bell, Zach (Tiffany) Bell, Amanda (Jason Caldwell) Bell, Alexandria Cenzer, Rachel (Chris) Priest, Coryn (Kyle Dasovic) Cenzer, Joshua (Abby Greskoviak) Cenzer; eight great grandchildren, Aden and Nolan Bell, Xander and Emerick Butler, Madelyn and Maliyah Caldwell, and Abigalyle and Hailey Priest; and two sisters, Carol Putney of Lewistown, Il., and Janet.

Jay owned and operated several service stations in the Peoria area.

He was a member of the Eagles Club of Peoria and loved to camp and fish in his spare time.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Cremations rites have been accorded, and burial of Sandra and Jay’s cremains will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.

10/22/2025

Alpha Park Library

Closed October 24
Please note that APL will be closed all day Friday, October 24, for staff training. Access your account, our digital collections, and our online resources 24/7 at alphapark.org.

10/22/2025

Donald H. Worrick Jr., 76, of Washington, IL, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on June 29, 1949, in Peoria, the son of Donald H. and Margaret E. Knickerbocker Worrick. He married Sharon Bishop in July of 1976.

Surviving are his children, Robert (Bonnie) Worrick of Glasford, IL, Ryan (Cassie) Worrick of Washington, and Heidi Worrick of East Peoria, IL; six grandchildren, Christopher, Kyle, Alex, Henry, Chandler and Lilly; and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are three brothers, Larry (Roxanne) Worrick of East Peoria, John Worrick of Peoria, Bruce (Mary) Worrick of Pekin, IL and Dennis "DJ" Worrick of Mannito, IL. His parents, one daughter, Kimberly Worrick, two infant brothers Michael Ray Worrick and John Gilbert, two sisters, Karen Perkins and Merijo McWhorter, all preceded him in death.

Donnie dedicated his working life to being self-employed in the automotive industry. A true enthusiast, he was captivated by the thrill of dirt-track racing and relished the camaraderie of bowling, participating in various leagues over the years. In his youth, he found joy in cruising down Main Street in Peoria, drag racing and custom car building. Even in his later years, the excitement of auto racing continued to inspire him along with his love of arts, and custom painting. He treasured the moments spent with his family, particularly reveling in the joy of his grandchildren. Moreover, he had a passion for collecting model cars, a testament to his love for all things automotive.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. Visitation will be one hour before his service. Burial will follow his service at Spring Bay Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be given to the National Scleroderma Foundation. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

10/22/2025

Desi Arnez Taylor Obituary
Desi Arnez Taylor, 56, of Bartonville, IL, died on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on January 16, 1969, to Lawrence and Barbara Taylor in Chicago, IL. Desi was one of eight children. He married Libby L. Jones Fuentes in Peoria on August 10, 1996.

Desi is survived by his wife of 29 years, Libby Taylor of Bartonville, IL; daughter, Lydia Vivian Purtscher of Pekin, IL; son, Benaiah Kahlil Taylor of Bartonville, IL; two grandchildren, Anthony and Libby Purtscher both of Pekin, IL; and prior son-in-law, Anthony Purtscher II of Glasford, IL. Also surviving Desi are his seven siblings: Annette (Bobby) Lewis, James (LoRita) Taylor, Margaret Taylor, Renee Taylor, Rick Taylor, and Barbara Katina Taylor all of Peoria, IL, and Darnell Taylor of Sandhill, MS; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two nieces, Kristina Rutherford and Samone Gregory both of Peoria; and a great-niece, Kalaiayah Gregory of Peoria.

Desi graduated from Richwoods High School and joined the U.S. Army Reserves, where he served in Desert Storm. He worked at the Federal Correctional Institution in Pekin as a correctional officer for many years. Desi recently was working in the Commissary and was due to retire next year.

He attended Northwest Baptist Church in Peoria, where he served as a deacon.

Desi loved Gunsmoke, golf, and football. He loved his family more than life itself. Above anything, he loved God! His love for Jesus Christ was evident to all.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at The Wilton Mortuary. There will be an additional visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Northwest Baptist Church, followed by military honors and a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Desi’s memory may be made to his church, Northwest Baptist Church (5430 N. Big Hollow Road, Peoria, IL 61615).

10/15/2025

Obituary
Robert Douglas Burdette, 77, of Marquette Heights, IL passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

He was born on January 13, 1948, in Peoria, IL to Clifford J. Burdette and Dorothy L. Rayburn Burdette. His parents preceded him in death.

Bob spent most of his life in Marquette Heights, IL where he met his wife, Marilyn J. Sammis Burdette of 56 years. Together they raised four children.

He was a well-respected Blacksmith for Caterpillar where he retired at almost 40 years.

Bob loved his family. His favorite activities were wood carving, spending time with his family, weekends at the cabin and countless trips to Door County, WI.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Burdette of Marquette Heights, IL; sons, Jeremy (Karrie) Burdette of Bartonville, IL, Matt (Linda Y.) Burdette of Bloomington, IL, Joe (Tina R.) Burdette of Kingston Mines, IL; daughter, Katie (Josh) Probyn of Sparland, IL; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; siblings, Roger (Sheila) Burdette of Metamora, IL, Rita (Tim) Troendly of Louisville, KY, Jim (Kathy) Burdette of Morton, IL and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob will be dearly missed.

Cremation has been accorded and a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association c/o Steve Paulin 19702 N 1200 East Road Carlock, IL 61725 in his name.

The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at

Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois, Co. specializes in direct cremation at an affordable price and has been helping families in the... Learn More

10/15/2025

Media Release

Date: October 15, 2025

To: All Media
From: Peoria City/County Health Department
Contact: Gretchen Pearsall
Phone: 309/672-6918

For Immediate Release

Peoria City/County Health Department Closed on October 22

The Peoria City/County Health Department will be closed on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, for an all-staff training day.

This includes Vital Records, WIC/Child and Family Health, Clinical Services, Environmental Health, Community Health Policy & Planning, and Administration. The Health Department’s offices will reopen for service on Thursday, October 23.

The Peoria County Regional Office of Education will also close at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22. All other departments located within the Health and Human Services building will remain open during their normal business hours on Wednesday.

# # #
Tim Shelley
Communications Coordinator
Peoria County
(309) 495-4862 (o) | (309) 253-9738 (c)
[email protected]

10/13/2025

November 23, 1928 - October 4, 2025

Peoria-Holly Klass, 96, passed away Oct. 4, 2025 at 7:01 p.m. surrounded by her family in Peoria. Cremation services were entrusted to Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home.

She was born Harlene Phelps Kennedy on November 23, 1928 in Yonkers, N.Y., the daughter of May Wilson Phelps and Halsey Millar Kennedy. She spent her childhood in Yonkers and graduated from Roosevelt High School there in 1946.

She attended Westbrook College in Portland, Maine and Pace University in White Plains, New York. Also, attended Heartland Community College from 2009 to 2019 where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for community colleges. Recently she attended Illinois Community College.

In 1948 she married Dale Willam Roth, and they had a daughter, Robyn Ahlyse Roth, who survives her. Later in life she married Joseph Anthony Klass. After 39 years of marriage he died in 2003, five months after a fall resulting in severe brain damage. Her first husband died a year later.

After working, starting at age 16 in the summers and then full time from 1947 most of her career was a secretary, but she was a part of the women's liberation era where companies were charged with providing upward mobility for women. She attained an administrative job at General Foods Corporation as a communications administrator and when her husband retired, she left so they could travel and decide on a place to live. They settled in Georgia, and she worked one season with the IRS and in 1990 was a census taker. She also served briefly on the Carrollton Board of Assessors.

Holly moved to Normal after her husband's death and was very active there in the Unitarian Universalist Church, as a member from 2006 to 2021 of the Young at Heartland Senior Acting Group, roles in performances at Heartland Theatre (Russian Dream, Ten Minute Play Festival, Superior Donuts), ISU (Send the light, Last Laughs Staged Reading) the Laramie Project at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts and a member and active playwright of Playwrights Anonymous.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Robyn Ahlyse and Mark Galletti of Peoria, her family of two sons, Tony (Amy) and Tom (Lisa) Galletti, their four daughters and one son of Bartonville as well as her nephew, George Hopkins of Peoria. Holly's husband, Joe Klass had a son and daughter, two grandsons, one granddaughter, two great grandsons and two great granddaughters.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, 1800 Eastland Dr. Bloomington, Ill.

Please visit carmodyflynn.com to express condolences online.

Contributions may be made in her name to Young at Heartland – Heartland Theatre, PO Box 1833, Bloomington, IL. 61702.